Christchurch v Hordle

Match Result: 2 - 0

Goal Scorers: Edward, Brenno

Match Report to follow.

Mudeford Swans v Christchurch

Match Result: 4 - 0

Christchurch went into this game as league leaders. Mudeford were in second position, same points, but having played an extra game. It was a “must win” match.

The game started very lively with end to end action. Within the first few minutes James, playing in goal for the first time, made some excellent saves. Christchurch did, however, seem to take control of the game early on and Cam went very close to scoring in the sixth minute.

Gus, once again, was strong in defence and turned a defensive move into an attack. He was ablely supported by Sonny. After a sustained period of pressure from Christchurch when both Joel and Brad W had a number of attempts on goal, Mudeford broke out of their own half and attacked the Christchurch goal. Their number 4 came very close to scoring but Christchurch defended well. Unfortunately Christchurch did not get the ball completely away and as a result of some goal mouth confusion Mudeford scored against the run of play in the 19th minute.

The game had no sooner started again when a flighted ball into the Christchurch box was not dealt with and Mudeford went in at half time 2 – 0 up.

The second half started with Sonny in goal. He was immediately put under pressure and made an outstanding save. Mudeford had by this time grown in confidence, being 2 goals up and not playing particularly well. Ed joined attack and Jamie midfield. Paddy defended well but also took the opportunity to attack. His corner kicks gave Christchurch the chance to peg one back but the ball would not go into the net. Despite the efforts of Christchurch defence, Mudeford made it 3 – 0 five minutes into the second half.

The best chance for Christchurch came in the eighth minute when Paddy took a goal kick up to Brad who ran at the goal. He had two chances which were defended well and the ball came out to Luke but it was pushed wide for corner.

Further tactical changes were made mid-way through the second half but this was not enough to prevent Mudeford getting another goal. Christchurch kept going and late into the match Brad W was unlucky not to score. The game, however, ended 4 – 0 to Mudeford.

Never mind boys seven games and only one defeat. Revenge will be sweet at home later in the season.

MAN OF THE MATCH: ANGUS

Christchurch v Broadstone

Match Result: 2 - 1

Goal Scorer: Oliver H (2)

Match Report to follow.

Match Result: 3 - 4

Goal Scorers: Brad, Cameron, Luke, Ed.

MAN OF THE MATCH: JAMES

To date, this was the most important match of the season. A win would see Christchurch go top of the league.

Christchurch attacked from the start determined to win. After a flurry of attacking moves Christchurch took a 1 - 0 lead within 5 minutes of kick off. An athletic goal scored by Brad.

Burton did have some possession but were unable to progress out of their own half. After further attacking moves from Christchurch, Cameron made it 2 - 0 after 10 minutes. Christchurch could have made it 4 – 0 with a near miss by Ollie H. and a long range shot by Cameron.

With a 2 – 0 lead Christchurch did appear to take their foot of the pedal and Burton came into the game but were unable to get any shots on goal. James in defence, played with confidence and passed a long ball through to Brad who crossed into the penalty area. Ed had a shot at goal which was saved by the keeper and the rebound fell to Luke who “nutmegged” the goalkeeper to make it 3 – 0.

The last five minutes of the 1st half were nerve-racking. Burton came to life and had a number of shots on goal. Christchurch defence stood firm and with Breno Reis, in goal, making a number of fine saves.

Half time: 0 - 3

Burton started the second half as they had ended the first, attacking from the whistle. Breno denied Burton a goal after 2 minutes by toe-poking the ball round the post. Burton maintained the pressure and had a number of corners but were unable to get the ball in the goal. Christchurch did eventually attack and had their first corner of the second half after 5 minutes. Burton dealt effectively with this and broke from Christchurch’s half. Breno in goal had no chance and Burton scored to make it 3 – 1. Within a couple more minutes Burton had pegged the score back to 3 – 2 and Christchurch needed to take control again.

Seeing the opportunity of going top of the league slipping away, Christchurch knuckled down and with great teamwork made it 4 - 2 with a goal by Ed.

As in the first half, the last five minutes of the second half were nail- biting. It was end to end action and both teams had the opportunity to score goals and in fact Burton did score a third goal from a corner making it 4 – 3. Christchurch stuck to the task in hand and the defence stood firm to deny Burton the opportunity of getting near the goal.

The whistle went for full time, a 4 -3 win to Christchurch. Well done boys!! Top of the league!!

Full time: 3 - 4